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The Atlanta Falcons announced the release of head coach Arthur Smith late on Sunday night.
Smith finished with a 7-10 record in three consecutive seasons (21-30), failing to make the postseason during his tenure. In 2023, the Falcons lost four of his last five games despite having plenty of opportunity for an NFC playoff berth, likely prompting owner Arthur Blank’s decision to go in a new direction.
Bill Belichick, who is currently the head coach of the New England Patriots, is tied with Ben Johnson, the current offensive Coordinator for the Detroit Lions, for the best odds (+300) to take over the reins as Head Coach in Atlanta.
Ben Johnson represents a young, offensive-minded option while Belichick offers the proven, seasoned experience with seven Super Bowl wins on his resume.
Jim Harbaugh has the next-best odds at +325. Certainly, the Harbaugh name carries with it some momentum right now, as Jim’s brother John has led the Baltimore Ravens to the No. 1 seed in the AFC, while he himself coached Michigan into the National Title game. Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback, was the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-2014 before taking the job at Michigan.
Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, Bobby Slovik, offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, and Eric Bienemy, offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders- who also made coaching changes this offseason round out the list of potential contenders according to oddsmakers.
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Odds for the Atlanta Falcons Next Head Coach
Bill Belichick +300
Ben Johnson +300
Jim Harbaugh +325
Raheem Morris +850
Bobby Slowik +850
Eric Bienemy +900
The Atlanta Falcons have dismissed Arthur Smith as the team’s head coach following a meeting tonight in Atlanta with Falcons Owner and Chairman, Arthur M. Blank, and the team’s CEO, Rich McKay https://t.co/Qrjuq4klH4
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 8, 2024
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